2023: It's Pay Back Time For Umuekumenyi-EBHA Deputy Speaker

From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki The Deputy Speaker Ebonyi State House of Assembly and illustrious son of Ezza Ezekunna, Hon Victor Chukwu Saturday said 2023 is a pay back period for Ebonyi North.

Chukwu made the appeal during mega solidarity rally organized by Umuekumenyi Youth Forum in Abakaliki. The Deputy Speaker called on Ebonyians from other zones to give their support to the candidature of Rt Hon Ogbonna Nwifuru, being that equity demands that Ebonyi north should produce the next Governor of the state. "I wish to cease this opportunity to appeal to candidates that are not from Ebonyi North to save us from the crisis in struggle for who succeeded the current administration.

"Recall that in 2015, the then sitting Government choose somebody who's an Izzi person but the people rejected him because they know that it was not their turn. He lost in Abakaliki, Izzi and Ebonyi Local Government Areas even when he's their son but the people did not support him because they knew it was not the turn of Ebonyi North zone but rather of the South. "This was to show integrity and character, we are not going to take such sacrifice for granted now that it's their turn and that we'll show at the booth. he stressed However, the party chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha thanked the group for the solidarity and assured them of continuing support until the party candidate is sworn in come may 2023. Emegha who described Umuekumenyi as the most luckiest people as they are not just producing a Successor who has leadership experiences but on the mantra of not to young to run.

Earlier, the leader of the Forum, Hon Uche Ali-Ega appreciated members of the forum for turning out en mass to show solidarity to the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate. "The success of our road walk has clearly made pronouncement that come 2023, Umuekumenyi is on ground and are ready to ensure that what belong to them is not traded for patry gift. "We wish to encourage other sister zones, clans and blocs to support Umuekumenyi because Umuekumenyi has supported others willingly not minding our electoral strength, and population because we have always believed in charter of equity. The national Secretary of the forum and chairman publicity sub-committe,Engr Chikadibia Jude Okpor called on Ebonyians not to truncate the equity and power rotation formula for the overall interest of the state. "our march today is to show appreciation for the adoption of equity clarion in Ebonyi state.

"While we appreciate our brothers from South, we also wish to affirm that nothing is going to uproot this seed of equity which His Excellency has planted by endorsing Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to be the flagbearer and governor that will be sworn in come may 2023. Comrade Godwin Nwonu, who spoke on behalf of Izhi Nnodo Clan applauded the forum for the show of love and pledged that the people would not take the support once their son emerged as governor of the state. "We're grateful to our brothers that makes up Umuekumenyi by supporting what our governor and our traditional rulers have endorsed which is targeted to build harmony and love among Ebonyi people. "Ours is to consolidate it knowing that the zoning principle has come to be which the people of Ebonyi North will also reciprocate as at due time. "Be rest assure that Izzi people are naturally hospitable and will never take this opportunity for granted as we'll rather pay you people back with better

Barr Ezuma Chinedu, who spoke on behalf of Mgbo le Izhia declared the maximum support of Mgbo people to the APC Governorship candidate and appealed to other zones to support the flag bearer of the party in upcoming general election on the ground of equity as Ebonyi North has been supportive in the past political era. Speaking on behalf of Ezzilo people, the national Public Relation Officer, Hon Ali Ogbuzibe, applauded members of the forum for toeing the path of equity as shown by the state governor and pledged to ensure that no vote would lost in their zone. Also speaking, Mr Chibueze Nwoguji, on behalf of Ohuofia Agba, declared their support to the choice candidate of His Excellency,the state governor and assured the party of delivering all their candidates in the zone. Meanwhile, Umuekumenyi are made up of Ezza, Ezekunna, Izzi, Ikwo, Mgbo le Izhia, Ishielu, and Ezzilo clan who scattered in different communities and council areas in Ebonyi state.